Victoria gets front row view of solar eclipse

Victoria has a ringside seat to a partial eclipse of the sun on Thursday (Oct. 23).

The moon will cast a shadow on Earth in the afternoon when it passes in front of the sun.

A total eclipse will not be seen at any location on the planet, however, the westernmost and northernmost areas of North America are the best places to view the rare astronomical event.

In Greater Victoria, the eclipse at its peak will reach a maximum coverage of 55 per cent. The event begins in the early afternoon when the sun is still high in the sky.

Members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Victoria Centre plan to have their telescopes and viewing equipment out on Mount Tolmie for the event.

The moon will move across the face of the sun as seen from Victoria starting at 1:32 p.m. and ending at 4:19 p.m.

Solar eclipses should only be viewed through specially filtered telescopes or filtered glasses. Looking at solar eclipses without this equipment could result in serious damage to the eyes. RASC members will use the proper filters when viewing the eclipse.